Metal trussless roof



Jan. 27, 1942. J. F. BLASKI METAL TRUSSLESS ROOF 2 sheets-sheet 1 Filed Dec. 5, 1940 Jan. 27', 1942. J. F. BLASKI 2,271,451

METAL TRUSSLESS ROOF Filed Deg. 5, 1940 2 Sheets-She et 2 Patented Jan. 27, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application December 5, 1940, Serial No. 368,563

Claims. (01. 108,1)

My invention relates to sheet metal roof constructions of the type which are arched between opposing side supports,.and it is an. object of my invention to provide an improved roof construction of this type which is trussless and requires rests, either inside or outside the roof for sustaining it.

It is also:- an object of my invention to provide an improved roof construction of this type which no supports, other than the supports on which it is constructed of channeled roof members of thin I.

sheet material but which will be strong, rigid and capable of withstanding large snow and wind loads thereon without appreciable sagging-even when the roof is large and the distance between the side supports therefor is great.

Another object of my invention is to provide a roof construction of this type adapted to be readily heat insulated to prevent heat from passing therethrough.

A further object of my invention is to provide 1 enlarged scale taken substantially from line 3-3 of Fig. 1 with part of the insulation removed;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view thereof, on a further enlarged scale, taken on line 44 of Fig. 3;

Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views thereof taken on lines 5-5 and 6-6, respectively, of Fig. 3;

Fig. '7 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 4 showing a modification of my invention;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a fragmentary portion of a construction showing another modification of my invention;

Fig.9 is a sectional view taken on line 9 -9 of Fi 8;

Fig. 10' is a sectional view on an enlarged scale of the constructions shown in Figs. 8 and 9; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of aroof member used in the constructions illustrated in Figs. 1-6;

Like characters of reference designate like parts in the several views.

Referring to Figs. 1-6 and 11,- it will be noted that the roof construction is in the form of an arch which extends between and upwardly to I ward its center from opposite side supports l5 and Hi. The roof is formed by a plurality of 1 courses, for example courses ll, I8 and I9 shown In its preferred form, my improved roof construction comprises a plurality of channeled sheet metal roof members which are fastened together in end to end relation in courses extending from one edge of the roof to the opposite edge thereof with th members of each course members of a cours in construction, may be quickly and easily positioned and held correctly with respect to the previously installed member of that course and with respect to the members of the previously erected course adjacent thereto, all preparatory to and while the fastening elements are being inserted.

The invention consists of the novel constructions, arrangements. and devices to be hereinafter described and claimed for carrying out the above stated objects and such other objectsas will appear from the following description of certain preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Fig.1 is an-end elevational view of a roof construction embodying the principles of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion thereof without insulation; 7

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a portion thereof on an of roof members 20.

The roof members 20 are formed from sheet metal, say 14 gauge, galvanized or otherwise treated to resist-rust. Each member is bent along longitudinal lines thereof (see- Figs. 4 and 11) into channel-like shape witha central web 20a and generally vertically extending flange means on opposite sides thereof. 7 The flange means comprises an obliquely extending flange 20b, an outwardly extending flange 20c, and a flange 20d which extends vertically at substantially right angles to the web 2041. The flange 2012' on one side of each of the members is formed with a return bend 20c. The Web and side flanges adjacent the ends of each member are provided with openings 2|. The side flanges 20d along their lengths are provided with openings 22.

The channeled members 20 are disposed together in end to end relation into courses, and preferably with the webs Z'Oa'and all the flanges 20b, 20c and flld of adjacent members of each course in lapping engagement, and with the return bends 20c of the members in each course all positioned on the same side of the course. Adjacent members of each course are preferably positioned such that the member nearer the center of the roof overlaps an adjacent lower vmember, so that any water on the members will of heat through the roof.

roof.

the open side of each channeled member facing outwardly, and with the openings at the respective ends of each member in registry with the end openings of adjacent members. Bolts 23 pass through the registered end openings of adjacent members in each course and hold the members together. The members in each of the courses are positioned with their flanges 20d, having the return bend 20c formed thereon, in lapping or face to face engagement with the plain flanges 20d (those not formed with a return bend) of members of an adjacent course, and preferably with the return bends 20a of the members overlapping the upper edges of the adjacent plain flanges 20d. The members in each course are positioned such that the joints therebetween are staggered or non-coincident with the joints between the members of courses adjacent there-' lapping the plain flanges 20d of members adjacent thereto at the side, act as additional means for holding adjacent courses together and function, similar to the lapped joints between-the ends of the members of each course, to form a strong connection between adjacent members and a watertight joint between lapping flanges The flanges 200 on opposite sides of the members form ledge means for supporting panels 25 of heat insulating material, or to which such panels may be secured. The panels insulate the roof as a whole and substantially reduce passage Bracing bars 26 are also positioned on opposite flanges 200 of each preferred size. 10

substantially the same as the arched contour of the roof at the member; the return bend 20e is preferably similarly arched. It will be apparent that the return bends 20a and the plain flanges 20d form effective cooperating guide means for properly positioning the members preparatory to insertion of the bolts.

' The individual members 20 may be of any I contemplate making them about 2 ft. in width and from about 4 ft. to about 10 ft. in length. The side flanges 20d of the members may have a uniform curvature at their free edges, and in such case the members may be alike, or formed from the same dies or bending apparatus, and in that case the completed roof will have a uniform curvature from one support to the oppositesupport. When the span between the supports is large, say 100 ft. ormore, I prefer to use two or more types of members 20, each having the free edges of their respective side flanges 20d curved differently. For example, the members of the section A of the roof shown in Fig. 1 may be formed with side flanges 20d curved at their free edgeson a relatively short radius, those members comprising the roof section B may be formed with the free edges of their side flanges 20d curved on a relatively longer radius, while the members comprising the roof section C may have side flanges 20d straight at their free edges. It will be obvious that roofs varying greatly in the spans between opposite supports may be erected readily from prefabricated stocks of members of the three types mentioned simply by lengthening or shortening one or more of the member and are fastened thereto, preferably by means of bolts. The bars 26 may be provided at the centers and also at the ends of the individual members. The bars 26 materially strengthen the My improved roof may be easily constructed by first building one course, preferably an end course, between the side supports l5 and I6. Thenmembers of an adjacent course are positioned one by one and secured in place with their return bends Zile lapping the vertically extending plain flanges 29d of the members of the previously erected course, the joints between the members of the second course being staggered with respect to the joints between the members of the first course. The flanges 20d bolted together in face to face contact provide a continuous vertically extending rib at the meeting sides of adjacent courses extending from one end thereof to the other which results in a very strong construction. The bolt openings are so disposed in the flanges 2nd and the return bends 20c on the members are so shaped that the bolt openings of the contacting flanges are easily brought into registry simply by positioning the members of the course in construction with their return bends contacting the edges of the plain flanges 20d of the members of the completed course. The arrangement is such also that when the openings of adjacent side flanges 20d are in registry, the openings 2| at the lapping end of the member being positioned are also in registry with the openings 2| of the adjacent member in the same course. The bolts may be passed easily through the registering openings, therefore, to fasten the member in place. The plain flange 20d preferably has its free edge arched roof sections A, B and/or C, and using therefor the required number of the members having side flanges 20d of the proper form at their free edges. It will be understood also that the bolt openings in the side flanges 20d may be located slightly differently in one type'of member as compared with those of another type. While in most cases the channeled members 20 probably will be placed with their open sides upwardly as shown,

'- I wish it to be understood that they may be reformed of shallow roof members 21.

versed and placed with their open sides downwardly. I

The embodiment of my invention illustrated in Fig. 7 differs from the embodiment above described in that alternate courses thereof are Each roof member2'l comprises a web 21a and flange means on each side thereof. The flange means comprises on one side a flange 21d formed with a return bend 21c and on the other side aplain flange 21d with no return bend. The flanges 21d are similar to the flanges 20d, and the return bend 21a is similar to the return bend 20c. The members 21 in one course, therefore, fit with members 20 in another course in the same manner as the courses of members 20 fit together. A panel of insulation 25 may be positioned directly on the web 21a of each of the members 21 as shown. This embodiment of my invention is satisfactory when it is not necessary to have a roof of as great strength as the roof first described.

The roof construction illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 is one particularly adapted for a building or a part of a building which decreases in width at one or both ends. The roof construction now to be described also decreases in height. The modified construction comprises building members 28 each of which comprises a web 28f, an obliquely extending flange 2817, a flange 28c, flanges 28d, and a return bend 28a. The parts 28b, 28c, 28d and 28a are similar to the respective parts 201), 25c, 20d and 20a, and the members 28;fit together in the same manner as the members 28. Each of the roof members 28, unlike each of the members 26, is disposed lower or farther inward of the roof at one of its side edges than at the other, and a roof built with the members 28 positioned correspondingly in ach course thus decreases in height and width, as shown.

My roof constructions may be easily erected because each individual channeled member is of light weight and easily handled. I prefer to use bolts for fastening the members together because they are more easily inserted in erecting a roof and, of course, may be easily removed should dismantling of the roof'be desired. A roof that is dismantled, obviously, may be re-erected at another location if desired to cover the same or smaller area, or a larger area if the required additional members are supplied. The constructions, therefore, are flexible and readily lend themselves to considerable latitude in building operations.

My improved roof constructions, even when the individual channeled members are of light gauge metal, are exceedingly strong and capable of withstanding heavy snow and wind loads thereon.. The individual members may be channeled in any preferred way and as deeply as desired to provide the requisite strength for any given construction. Each course of members spanning or extending over opposing supports is arched upwardly, and the course at each of its sideedges is reinforced by its vertical side flanges which when bolted in cooperating relation with the side flanges of adjacent courses provide strong vertical'reinforcing and load carrying ribs. If desired, the exterior surface of a completed roof may be coated with tar, asphalt or other suitable material, and such material may be applied directly to the sheet metal construction or to the panels of insulation material when the latter is used exteriorly of the roof. The constructions are well adapted for airplane hangars, large assembly halls, shop buildings, etc.

I do not intend to limit the invention to the details of construction shown and described except only insofar as certain of the appended claims may be specifically so limited, as it will be obvious that modifications may be made Without departing from the principles of the invention.

arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends towards its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal channeled members, each of said members comprising side flange means connected by a web, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with at least portions of the ends of adjacent members in lapping engagement and with at least portions of their flange means in lapping engagement with at least portions of the flange means of the members of adjacent courses, the joints between the members of each course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, fastening elements extending through the lapped end portions of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through said portions of the flange means of the members of one course at their respective sides and the side flange portions of the members of adjacent courses in lapping arrangement therewith.

2. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the opposite edge thereof, each course being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends towards its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal channeled members, each of said members comprising side flange means connected by a Web, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with the Webs and the flange means of adjacent members. in lapping engagement and with at least portionsof their flange means in lapping engagement with at least portions of the flange means of the members of adjacent courses, the joints between the members of each course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, fastening elements extending through the lapped Webs and the lapped flange means of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through said portions of the flange means of the members of one course at their respective sides and the side flange portions of the members of adjacent courses in lapping arrangement therewith.

3. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the opposite edge thereof, each course being arohed'lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends towards it center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal channeled members, each of said memberscomprising side flange means connected by a web, said side flangemeans on opposite sides of each member comprising a first flange connected to said Web and a second flange joined by connecting flange means with said first flange, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with the webs of adjacent members in lapping engagement, the joints be,- tween the members of each course being noncoincident withthe joints between the members of adjacent courses, each of said members being disposed with its said second flanges at its respective sides in lapping engagement with the second flanges of members of adjacent'courses, I

fastening elements extending through the lapped webs of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through the lapped second flanges of members of adjacent courses.

4. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the Opposite edge thereof, each course being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends toward its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal channeled members, each of said members comprising side flange means connected by a web, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with at least portions of the ends of adjacent members in lapping engagement, the joints between the members of each course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, said flange means on each member including on each side thereof a vertically extending flange with the. flange on one side terminating in a return bend, each of said members being disposed with its vertically extending flanges at its respective sides in lapping engagement with the vertically extending flanges of members of adjacent courses and with its return bend in lapping relation with the adjacent vertically extending flanges of members of an adjacent course, fastening elements extending. through the lapped end portions of adjacent members of. each course, and fastening elements extending. through the lapped vertically extending flanges. of members of adjacent courses, said return bend. on each of said members and the vertically extending flanges lapped thereby constituting guide means for the positioning of members of one course relative to an adjacent course.

5. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the opposite edge thereof, each course being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends toward its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal members, each of said members being channel-like in shape and comprising side flange means connected by a web and being positioned with its open side disposed outwardly of the roof, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with at least portions of the ends of adjacent members in lapping engagement, the joints between the members of each course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, said flange means on each member including on each side thereof an upwardly extending flange with the flange on one side terminating in a return bend, each of said members being disposed with its upwardly extending flanges at its respective sides in lapping engagement with the upwardly extending flanges of members of adjacent courses and with its return bend in overlapping relation with the adjacent upwardly extending flanges of members of an adjacent course, fastening elements extending through the lapped end portions of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through the lapped upwardly extending flanges of members of adjacent courses, said return bend on each of said members and the upwardly extending flanges overlapped thereby constituting guide means for the positioning of members of one course relative to an adjacent course and providing weathertight joints between adjacent courses.

6. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the opposite edge thereof, each course being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends towards its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal channeled members, each of said members comprising side flange means connected by a web, said side flange means on opposite sides of each member including a vertically extending flange, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with at least portions of the ends of adjacent members in lapping engagement, the joints between the members of each'course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, each of said members being disposed with its vertically extending flanges at its respective sides in lapping engagement with the vertically extending flanges of members of adjacent courses, a bracing member extending between and fastened to the opposite side flange means of each of said members, fastening elements extending through the lapped end portions of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through the lapped vertically extending flanges of members of adjacent courses.

7. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the opposite edge thereof, each course being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends towards its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal members, each of said members being channel-like in shape and comprising side flange means connected by a web and being positioned with its open side disposed outwardly of the roof, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with at least portions of the ends of adjacent members in lapping engagement and with at least portions of their flange means in lapping engagement with at least portions of the flange means of the members of adjacent courses, the joints between the members of each course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, fastening elements extending through the lapped end portions of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through said portions of the flange means of the members of one course at their respective sides and the flange portions of the members of adjacent courses in lapping arrangement therewith.

8. A trussless roof comprising in combination a plurality of courses extending from one edge to the opposite edge thereof, each course being arched lengthwise thereof upwardly from its ends towards its center and comprising a plurality of sheet metal members, each of said members being channel-like in shape and comprising side flange means connected by a web and being positioned with its open side disposed outwardly of the roof, said sidelflange means on opposite sides of each member comprising a first flange connected to said web and a second flange connected by ledge means with said first flange, said ledge means on opposite sides of each member being adapted to support a panel of insulation therebetween spaced outwardly from the web of the member, said members of each course being disposed in end to end relation with at least portions of the ends of adjacent members in lapping engagement, the joints between the members of each course being non-coincident with the joints between the members of adjacent courses, each of said members being disposed with its said second flanges at its respective sides in lapping engagement With the second flanges of members of adjacent courses, fastening elements extending through the lapped end portions of adjacent members of each course, and fastening elements extending through the lapped second flanges of members of adjacent courses.

9. A roof member formed of sheet metal bent along longitudinal lines into channel-like shape to provide a central web and side flange means connected thereby, said flange means on opposite sides of the roof member including a side flange extending substantially at right angles to said web with the side flange on one side terminating in a return bend adapted to overlap a side flange of an adjacent member, at least portions of the ends and said flanges of said member being provided with openings therethrough to receive fastening elements for attaching the roof member to adjacent similar roof members.

10. A roof member formed of sheet metal bent along longitudinal lines into channel-like shape to provide a central web and side flange means connected thereby, said flange means on opposite sides of the roof member comprising a first flange connected to said web and a vertical flange joined by connecting flange means with said first flange, said vertical flange on one side of the member terminating in a return bend adapted to lap a vertical side flange of an adjacent roof member, said web and each of said flanges adjacent their ends and said vertical flanges along their lengths being provided with openings therethrough to receive fastening elements for attaching the roof member to adjacent similar roof members.

JOHN F. BLASKI. 

